Diabetes in children is also known as juvenile diabetes, but more commonly known as type 1 diabetes. It is the most common form of diabetes in children with ninety to ninety-five percent of sufferers being children.
Juvenile diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the bodies own defense system attacks the body’s tissues or organs.
In the last 30 years the number of juvenile diabetes has increased three times over and in Europe and the US we are now seeing type 2 diabetes in children for the first time.
Obesity easily explains type 2, but not why there is such a rise in type 1 diabetes in children. It has been said that a mixture of genetics and environmental factors are the triggers for juvenile diabetes. But the vast majority of young teen don’t have a family history of diabetes.
The symptoms for juvenile diabetes are the same as in adults. Thirst, weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination is typical, but diabetes in young children can also increase stomach pains, headaches and behavioral problems.
A doctor should consider the possibility of diabetes in young adults who have unexplained upset stomach for a few weeks, along with the common symptoms.
If you believe your child may be experiencing these symptoms you should schedule them for a thorough examination and tell your doctor what you suspect your child may have.
Learning about diabetes menu planning and cooking becomes crucial and there are a number of sources for sound information such as the diabetes association and personal physicians. There are also many good books on the market on this subject.
There are many diabetes awareness campaigns designed to help you focus on the key symptoms of diabetes in children, in addition to the simple lifestyle changes
Proper management is the key and can give you many years of healthy living.
